22-year-old Maria Gardner, from Coventry, has been crowned Miss Birmingham 2016
Having travelled the world on her modelling expeditions, Maria Gardner is no stranger to the spotlight. The 22-year-old model, who works in Birmingham, was crowned the new Miss Birmingham 2016 winner at last night’s glitzy final at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel.
Her first time entering the competition, Maria admitted that she was nervous entering but it was the charity, Beauty with a Purpose, and the opportunity to become an ambassador for Birmingham that secured her application.
“I was so grateful just to be a finalist! It still hasn’t sunk in that I was crowned the winner”, said Maria, “I always commit 100% into everything I do and this has proven to me that hard work can pay off and you can achieve your dreams”.
Maria Gardner beat off 39 other contestants to be crowned Miss Birmingham 2016
Dressed in an elegant silver gown, Maria beat off 39 other contestants on the night in one of the biggest Miss England heats in the country with over 850 applications. Through winning the Miss Birmingham title, Maria will now go on to represent Birmingham at the Miss England grand final taking place in Southport where, should she win, she can go on to compete in Miss World, the legendary global contest which has been running since 1951.
After raising funds for humanitarian charity Beauty with a Purpose, Maria said on her plans, “I can’t wait to begin my journey and go to sleep every night and feel, ‘Yes, I have achieved something great today and made a difference. As Miss Birmingham, the charity element is the main reason I loved doing this contest”.
Miss Birmingham Maria Gardner will now join reigning Mr Birmingham Joshua Williams, 18 (pictured on right), in representing Birmingham for the oncoming year
She will now join reigning Mr Birmingham Joshua Williams, 18 from Castle Bromwich, in representing Birmingham for the oncoming year. After the event, Joshua said, “It has been a fantastic year for the competition and it has been a true pleasure being able to meet each of the girls. I’m so excited to welcome Maria into the Miss England family and I am sure she will be incredible in Miss England”.
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Find out more about Miss England West Midlands at www.missenglandwm.com.
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Jake Mundel
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